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Monday, April 21, 2014

Rainbow Bridge #atozchallenge

R - In Norse mythology, the Rainbow Bridge (Bifröst or Asbrú) is the burning bridge that stretches between Asgard (heaven) and Midgard (earth). The bridge was created by the Æsir so they could easily travel between their realm and the human world. Each day, the Æsir ride their horses across the Rainbow Bridge to Urd's Well, where they hold court.

At the far end of the Bifröst sits the Norse god Heimdall. Heimdall stands guard against Giants who might use the bridge to enter Asgard. He also stands watch for Ragnarok, the doom of the Gods. As with so much else, the Bifröst will be destroyed during this apocalyptic battle when the inhabitants of Muspelheim ride across the bridge.

In Gylfaginning (the first book of the Prose Edda) Snorri Sturluson says:

In the midst of this clash and din the heavens are rent in twain, and the sons of Muspell come riding through the opening. Surtr rides first, and before him and after him flames burning fire. He has a very good sword, which shines brighter than the sun. As they ride over Bifrost it breaks to pieces, as has before been stated. The sons of Muspel direct their course to the plain which is called Vigrid.... The sons of Muspel have there effulgent bands alone by themselves.

Many believe that the Rainbow Bridge represents the Milky Way. This isn't particularly surprising given how many different cultures have incorporated the Milky Way into their beliefs. Others have incorporated the Rainbow Bridge into their own beliefs. In the poem, The Rainbow Bridge, for instance, animals who pass away go to a beautiful meadow just outside of heaven. When their owners pass, they arrive in the meadow to be reunited. Together, they cross the Rainbow Bridge into heaven.

On an unrelated note, I'm trying desperately to get caught up on visiting all of you, but am still nearly a week behind. Be patient with me. The last couple of weeks have been insanely busy. FADE made it to bestseller status (yay!), and I'm in the midst of a massive query round. It's an exhausting process!